High demand at custody units and an increase in calls from the public has led to Dyfed-Powys Police seconding its new recruits during an "unprecedented situation".

Home learning and attestations made over video link are being undertaken for the first time ever at Dyfed-Powys Police to ensure the minimum number of people are based at its Carmarthenshire headquarters.

Rather than taking to the classroom, it’s straight into work at the force control room – where all 101 and 999 calls are answered – and custody units across the force.

PEQF (Policing Education Qualifications Framework) manager Detective Sergeant Rob Gravelle explained: "This is a completely unique start to their policing careers, and they will be gaining invaluable experience in dealing with the public.

“Ten of our students will be trained up to answer calls from the public, and five will become custody detention officers. These are the two areas we are currently facing the highest demand, so it made sense to offer resilience to our colleagues while enhancing the students’ learning.

DS Gravelle added: “We are in an unprecedented situation and it was important that we came up with solutions that would work for all our students – and quickly.”

Ensuring recruitment is not put on hold for future officers, interviews for future cohorts have taken place over Skype.

DS Gravelle said: “We are making the most of technology to maintain business as close to usual as possible during this unusual time.

“I’m sure we will look back at this as a time of huge learning, new experiences, and shaping the future of policing.”